Disclaimer: I do not in any way own Golden Sun.

I had hoped my cheerful mood would have lasted but it didn't.

I was abruptly woken up at about 4 o' clock by my pack falling on my head from its hook above. I rubbed my head and sat up. Everyone, even Ivan, who was an early waker, were fast asleep.

I attempted to fall asleep-unsuccessfully. I tossed and turned, finally giving in and stomping downstairs. The innkeepers were speaking to each other and jumped up when I entered.

"It's too early for breakfast," the cook muttered.

"Isaac, what are you doing?" a soft voice asked me. I turned quickly to see Mia.

"I heard you leave." she told me.

"Isaac? Mia?" another voice questioned. Ivan stepped lightly down the stairs.

I rolled my eyes. "At least Garet won't be following us."

"Why?" Mia asked.

"Because he doesn't wake up until there's an earthquake, practically!" I exploded.

Mia shrunk back. "I-I'm really s-sorry..."

I glared at her. I didn't know why I was so angry...insomnia was nothing new for me.

Ivan glared at me. "Why are you getting upset at her?"

I refused to answer. A thought crept into my head...was this how Jenna was sometimes? Those days...

Then I remembered my dream.

Jenna was at the top of Mercury Lighthouse and I dashed toward her, only to see her split into her parents...and Father. They fell off the lighthouse, screaming.

I shuddered.

"What is it?" Mia had noticed my shudder.

"Nothing!" I snapped. I pushed her away. "I'm going outside. I'll be back in time for breakfast."

I walked by them silently.

Grumpily, I sat down on the steps. What was wrong with me today? First that dream, and then...

I sighed. All I could think about today was...my failure...Father...Jenna...

What was she doing right now? How far ahead of us? Behind us?

We'll never catch up, I thought miserably. They'll light lighthouse after lighthouse, and...

I had a horrible thought. What would happen to Jenna and Kraden when they no longer needed them?

Don't think that. Don't think that...

When I returned to the Inn, Garet was awake, and from his tousled hair I guessed he'd been awakened by a Whirlwind from Ivan. Most days, that would have amused me, but today nothing could seem funny.

"Hey, Isaac." Garet said sleepily.

I didn't answer, afraid I might snap at him.

Mia touched Garets shoulder lightly. "Isaac's having a bad day." she explained.

That wasn't the half of it.

He's really gloomy today, isn't he? remarked Flint, apparently to Granite.

Most definitely. Granite agreed.

I can hear you, you know. I snapped. And you're not making me feel any better. Who are you two to talk? Flint, you talk way too much, and Granite, why do you always have to agree with him, huh? I'm sick of having two Djinn in my head. I HATE THIS STUPID QUEST!

Garet was gaping at me with his mouth open, and I realized I'd shouted that last part aloud.

I felt like apologizing, but my mouth wouldn't listen to me. "What are you looking at?!"

Garet glared at me, and started to cast something.

"Garet, don't!" Mia scolded.

"Mia's right, Garet. Isaac's just having a bad day. It's no wonder, really. He's got a lot of stress." Ivan said quietly. I'd almost forgotten he was there.

Garet nodded, and lowered his arm.

"I-I'm sorry, guys, I just-" I broke off. I wasn't sure what to say.

"Don't worry, we understand." Mia assured me.

"Umm...let's, uh, eat now." I stammered.

After a quiet breakfast, we left Bilibin. We passed the barricade equally silently.

"Where are we going?" Garet asked finally.

"The bridge," answered Ivan.

"Oh."

When we reached our destination, we found a man on the other side of the river and the bridge rolled back.

"Are you going to cross the bridge?" the man called across.

"Yes, we are!" Garet answered for me. I was glad he had replied instead of leaving it to me.

"Oh...right. Go right ahead!"

He rolled down the bridge. I led the way across the bridge.

We hiked along the well-beaten path, again in silence. We finally reached a beautiful spot, with a waterfall and a house upon a hill. And best of all...people.

All of the people spoke of a "Nyunpa". I stared in wonder at the gardens, almost forgetting my bad day until I fell into the stream. Garet fished me out quickly.

"Thanks." I dried myself off and ascended the steps to speak to Nyunpa.

"Good morning," I told him pleasantly. He ignored me.

"Hey!" shouted Garet. The man flinched, but refused to speak.

"Sir...?" Nyunpa paid no mind to Ivan, either.

"Hello? Hello? Hello?!" Mia tried, but with no avail.

We linked hands and Ivan read Nyunpa's mind to discover his thoughts.

Mmm... Who is that? Who speaks to my mind? Nyunpa thought in confusion.

I stepped back, indicating for the others to follow.

"Young master...was that your voice I heard in my mind just now?" Nyunpa asked. I realized he was speaking to me.

"Yes...well, actually, it was Ivans." I pointed to the Jupiter Adept.

He didn't pay attention. "I knew it!" he exclaimed happily, in a tone similar to Kradens. "You follow them, do you not?"

"Uh...if you mean Saturos and Menardi, yeah."

"I knew it!" Nyunpa repeated. "But you must go through Mogall Forest, the endless woods. The forest itself is a mystery, and its paths even more so. No ordinary man can pass from one side to the other. But perhaps I could, young master."

He turned away from us. "If you can endure the trials in the waterfall grotto, I will tell you."
Oh, great, I thought. Just what will top this day off. A test.

"Will you take the test?" Nyunpa asked.

I looked at the others. Ivan shrugged. "It's up to you, Isaac."
Mia nodded. "Ivan's right. Whatever you think."

Garet looked like he wanted to protest, but then stopped. "Sure. What you think."

I took a deep breath. "Yes. Yes, we will."

He used Psynergy. My eyes widened, but I did not say anything.

"Do not worry. You will be permitted to enter the grotto." Nyunpa assured us. "Go now, Isaac!"

I tried not to look surprised.

"Do not forget that you are not the only ones who can read minds." He returned to his position on the floor.

I led the way to the waterfall. The guard nodded to acknowledge us. "I have already heard of your test from Master Nyunpa. You may enter."

He hopped out of the way.

I took a deep breath and entered the waterfall.